St Johnston siblings take artistic stance on dog fouling

Three young St Johnston siblings frustrated with dog fouling in the area have designed a poster highlighting the issue.

Molly, Emily and Rónán Toland are pupils at St Baithin’s NS.

Molly (10), Emily (7) and Rónán (5) all contributed to the artwork. Their masterpiece now warns dog walkers of the problem.

“If you don’t pick up you dog’s poo, it will end up on my shoe,” the poster says.

The inspiration came from a recent experience where little Emily stepped in dog poo.

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With their parents, Rónán and Ciera, they are dog owners who are careful to clean up after their dog.

The problem is a worsening one in the east Donegal village, as in many other parts of the county.

Donegal County Council’s litter wardens carry out patrols, but they say catching errant owners is difficult.

Indeed in 2021 and 2022, only one dog fouling fine was issued by the local authority.

The detection of an offence, where the owner of the dog can be identified, can result in an on the spot litter fine of €150.

“Donegal County Council will continue to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling and the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their dogs,” the Council said.

In recent years, Donegal County Council has distributed ‘poop scoop’ bags free of charge to the public.